The Filipino-American and the Black communities have more in common than we realize.

In fact, according to the Filipino-American National Historical Society (FANHS), our histories are “intertwined.” The solidarity between the Filipino-American and Black-American communities span centuries–starting in the 1700s, when “Manilamen” escaped their Spanish galleon masters, up until today.   

For this reason, a number of Filipinos across the United States are in support of #BlackLivesMatter–a movement against the systemic racism rampant across America, manifesting in police brutality and the deaths of innocent people. Here are some of their stories, and learn how you can also take an active role in BLM.

Inspired by history

One such Filipino-American who took a stand for the Black community was Eli Frances Abad, an artist hailing from DC. 

After witnessing teenagers and a group of Filipinos participating in protests on two separate occasions, Abad took action and organized a solidarity march that he called #FilipinosForBlackLives. He contacted friends from three different universities in the San Francisco area, who then helped get the word out about his plan. 

On June 10, 2020, over a hundred marchers converged at the Gran Oriente Filipino Masonic Lodge in SOMA and walked all the way to I-Hotel, where “Manilatown” once stood.

The I-Hotel is of particular significance in Filipino-Black history. In August 1977, over 3,000 Black students and activists formed a barricade outside the hotel’s premises, in an attempt to prevent police from evicting I-Hotel’s last Filipino tenants. “It is not just their fight, it is our fight too,” Abad said. “It’s our duty and responsibility to protect, stand, and fight with them.” 

On backlash and “genteel racism”

Of course, any stance taken will always be met by opposition–and is often the fuel to keep going.

In June 2020, Juanillo was stenciling a BLM message outside his San Francisco home, where he had lived for 18 years. Two of his neighbors, a white couple, informed him that he was committing vandalism. 

Juanillo began recording their interaction. “You’re free to express your opinions,” his neighbor said, “Just not on people’s property.” Juanillo was, in fact, not using paint, but chalk. The couple also claimed to know the owner of the home, which the latter denied. 

Juanillo suggested that the couple call the police if they felt unsafe–and that they did. In the minutes that followed, “the police came and recognized me as a resident of that house.” They left without getting out of their patrol car and asking Juanillo for an ID.

Two days after the altercation, Juanillo took to Twitter and posted the video, which garnered over 16 million views in its first week.

The latent racism that Juanillo experienced is often more difficult to detect and can be so easily brushed off–and leveraging social media certainly gave him a voice. “We’re now all gifted with the technology to prove that we’re not crazy and we’re not stupid and that we do have justice on our side,” he stated in an interview with NBC News. “I don’t need to prove to anybody that I’m a brown person living in probably the most storied neighborhood in the city.”

Spark change, where you are

The stories of brotherhood and solidarity don’t end here. You, too, can take an active part in this ongoing story, and take action wherever you are now.

Addressing anti-Blackness in your own culture and stories go a long way. Educating yourself on our history with the Black American community helps us gain a deeper understanding of our relationships with them. Here’s our take on it:

In addition, supporting causes such as The Movement for Black Lives, NAFCON USA, and Kabataan Alliance will pave the way for greater awareness for people who aren’t otherwise informed.

As of this writing, One Down is collaborating with the Roque family, who was subject to assault and other overt acts of racism in May 2022. POCs are inevitably affected by how other communities are treated–and as we stand together as a community, we can strengthen each other and continue fighting for equality. Learn more about the ongoing campaign against anti-Asian hate at the Filipino Migrant Center.  

In the spirit of MLK, you have an opportunity to listen to our Black brothers and sisters, tell their stories, and be on the right side of history. It’s time to let your voice be heard.